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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

O Maina

From Naangu Suvargal · 1971

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Naangu Suvargal1971

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Ohooo…ohoo..oo.ooo[Vocalizing / Musical refrain]
Ohooo…ohoo..ooo.oo..oo[Vocalizing / Musical refrain]
Male
Laaa..laaa.laa.laa[Vocalizing / Musical refrain]
Laa..laa.laaa..laalaaa[Vocalizing / Musical refrain]
Laa.laa.laa.laalaa la la lala laa la la lala la[Vocalizing / Musical refrain]
Male
Oh maina… oh maina…Oh Maina bird... oh Maina bird...
Oh maina… oh maina…Oh Maina bird... oh Maina bird...
Idhu un kanna pon meenaAre these your eyes, or golden fish?
Odum pulli maanaA running spotted deer?
Povil sindhum thaena…Honey spilled from a flower?
Odum pulli maanaA running spotted deer?
Povil sindhum thaena….Honey spilled from a flower?
Male
Oh maina… oh maina…Oh Maina bird... oh Maina bird...
Idhu un kanna pon meenaAre these your eyes, or golden fish?
Male
Munnuraiyai naan ezhuthaAs I write the preface,
Mudivuraiyai nee ezhuthaYou write the conclusion,
Munnuraiyai naan ezhuthaAs I write the preface,
Mudivuraiyai nee ezhuthaYou write the conclusion,
Nam uravai oorariyaFor the whole town to know our bond,
Naan tharava nee tharavaShall I give it, or will you give it?
Nam uravai oorariyaFor the whole town to know our bond,
Naan tharava nee tharavaShall I give it, or will you give it?
Male
Aada vandha thogai ondruA peacock that came forward to dance,
Thedi vandha megam ondruA cloud that came searching for it,
Aada vandha thogai ondruA peacock that came forward to dance,
Thedi vandha megam ondruA cloud that came searching for it,
Naadarindha kaadhal indruToday, this love is known across the land,
Naanam enna vendum inguWhy should there be any shyness here?
Iravenna pagalenna ithilenna thodarattumaeWhat is night or day in this? Let it continue!
Male
Oh maina… oh maina…Oh Maina bird... oh Maina bird...
Idhu un kanna pon meenaAre these your eyes, or golden fish?
Odum pulli maanaA running spotted deer?
Povil sindhum thaena…Honey spilled from a flower?
Male
Thamarai poo kaaleduthuAs if a lotus flower sprouted legs,
Veethi valam povadhu polAnd went on a procession through the street,
Thamarai poo kaaleduthuAs if a lotus flower sprouted legs,
Veethi valam povadhu polAnd went on a procession through the street,
Nee nadantha baavanaiyaiTo describe the graceful posture of your walk,
Naan ezhutha mozhi illaiyaeI do not possess the language or words!
Male
Melirudhu paartha vannamThe hue as seen from above,
Paalirukkum velli kannamSilver cheeks filled with pure milk,
Thoothu solla ketta pinnumEven after hearing the messenger's words,
Kaalam enna neram ennaWhy delay? What is the right time?
Varavidu tharavidu inippadhu inikattumaeLet it arrive, let it yield, let whatever is sweet remain sweet!
Male
Oh maina… oh maina…Oh Maina bird... oh Maina bird...
Idhu un kanna pon meenaAre these your eyes, or golden fish?
Odum pulli maanaA running spotted deer?
Povil sindhum thaena…Honey spilled from a flower?
Odum pulli maanaA running spotted deer?
Povil sindhum thaena…Honey spilled from a flower?
Male
Laaa..laaa.laa.laa[Vocalizing / Musical refrain]
Laa..laa.laaa..laalaaa[Vocalizing / Musical refrain]
Laa.laa.laa.laalaa la la lala laa la la lala la[Vocalizing / Musical refrain]

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Oh Maina' from the 1971 film Naangu Suvargal is a joyous and poetic romantic expression. The protagonist adores his beloved by addressing her affectionately as a Maina bird and comparing her beauty to vibrant elements of nature, such as golden fish, a bounding spotted deer, and sweet nectar dripping from blossoms. He envisions their love story as a book where he writes the introduction and she crafts the conclusion, symbolizing perfect unison and complete mutual understanding. Throughout the track, the lover marvels at her elegance, imagining her stroll as a lotus flower taking a procession down the street and confessing that human language falls short of capturing her grace. Emphasizing that true love transcends day, night, and social hesitation, the song radiates warmth, playful flirtation, and timeless romantic devotion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Idhu un kanna pon meena

Equates the beloved's eyes directly to golden fish, expressing their brightness, movement, and beauty.

Simile (Uvamai Ani)

Thamarai poo kaaleduthu Veethi valam povadhu pol

Compares the beloved walking gracefully down the street to a blooming lotus flower taking legs and making a town procession.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Munnuraiyai naan ezhutha / Mudivuraiyai nee ezhutha

Both lines end with the rhyming verb 'ezhutha', creating a harmonious rhythmic structure.

Imagery

Aada vandha thogai ondru / Thedi vandha megam ondru

Paints a vivid natural image of a dancing peacock paired with a searching rain cloud to symbolize two lovers reuniting.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Naangu Suvargal' (1971) was directed by legendary filmmaker K. Balachander and featured music composed by M. S. Viswanathan (MSV) with lyrics penned by Kannadasan. The film starred Jaishankar, Ravichandran, Nagesh, and Jayanthi in lead roles.

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